The NFL season has kicked off. Sixteen games are in the books. And you know what that means ...
Time for the first regular-season installment of NFL Power Rankings.
Some of the best teams delivered while others failed (somewhat miserably). One of the teams expected to struggle, the Arizona Cardinals, jolted the Bolts, at SoFi.
Where does everyone shake out after one week of play in the 17-game season?
32. Tennessee Titans
Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll. Who in upper management thought this was a combination that would beat any team?The Titans couldn't beat the Jets at home. Who they can beat this year remains a mystery.
31. Cleveland Browns
Todd Monken said he saw good things watching game film and that Deshaun Watson will likely start again in Week 2. Does he know the good things were done
by the Jaguars?
30. Miami Dolphins
Not a great day for Green Bay or its former defensive coordinator. Former Viking Kirk Cousins ruins Jeff Hafley's Miami debut with three TD passes. If the Dolphins are no match for the Raiders, they could be a match for the first pick in the 2027 NFL draft.
29. Indianapolis Colts
Daniel Jones returned but the losing ways that started when the QB was hurt in 2025 continue. Baltimore blitzed Indy and that sets a scary picture.
28. Las Vegas Raiders
Okay, so Kirk Cousins had the game to recapture his best days. This was against the Miami Dolphins, who could end up being the worst team in the NFL.
27. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were looking forward to 2026 after their great finish last year. Then they got to see the QB who the Bears used the pick they traded to Chicago engulf them for 59. NFC South shame No. 1.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC South shame No. 2: The Buccaneers go into Cincinnati and turn the Bengals' defense into a ferocious one that hasn't been seen in years. Baker Mayfield must have thought he was still playing an AFC North game as a Cleveland Brown.
25. Atlanta Falcons
NFC South shame No. 3: It is unfortunate the Falcons had to with a third-string QB against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They played decently and might have won if Michael Penix Jr. and not Cooper Rush was the signal-caller. Don't sleep on the ATL.
24. New Orleans Saints
NFC South Shame No. 4: This is the NFL. A team has to be beyond incredible to fall into a 21-0 hole and escape with a win. The Saints made the game thrilling. They need to focus on how they got so far behind.
23. Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels is back and the Commanders may be on their way, too. They put a scare into the Eagles in Philly but came up short. A team worth following.
22. New York Jets
Don't get too excited here, Gang Green fans. The win was over a Robert Saleh coached team and you know how well he has done as a head coach all too well.
21. Dallas Cowboys
So much was expected from a revamped Dallas defense. So little was delivered. How can you allow the Giants to run so much offense Dak Prescott only gets two second-half drives. They both went for scores, by the way.
20. Green Bay Packers
Awful way to start the season. Getting swamped by the Vikings after taking a huge lead. Division game loss and to a backup quarterback, Carson Wentz, forced in when Kyler Murray as injured.
19. Los Angeles Chargers
Mike McDaniel apparently brought his offensive magic from Miami and ability to fail with him as Jim Harbaugh's offensive coordinator. Losing at home to the Cardinals should leave all the Bolts red-faced.
18. Arizona Cardinals
Great win in Mike LaFleur's debut. Too soon to move the Cardinal way up in the power rankings. One interesting factoid is this is first time in Jacoby Brissett's career he has had same WR/TE group around him for second straight year in his career.
17. New York Giants
John Harbaugh has a renaissance going after one game. The Giants looked like a different franchise doing great things they hadn't done for a number of coaches who wound up canned.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers, as they should be, are all about defense. The win over the Falcons was gritty. Aaron Rodgers isn't going to lead a robust offense anymore.
15. Minnesota Vikings
Great job by Minnesota not getting down when falling behind and losing Kyler Murray. Carson Wentz was ready and Justin Jefferson has come back to life after a quiet 2025. The future remains questionable if Murray is lost for a long run.
14. Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow gets help from his defense and the combination of a powerful offense and solid defense turns into a victory in the opener. Amazing what happens when the opponent's offense turns over the ball.
13. Detroit Lions
Going 1-0 after a poor season last year should push Detroit into the top 10, right? Not after it blew a huge lead and was life-and-death to beat the Saints at home.
12. Houston Texans
This is supposed to be a formidable defense and it was strafed by Josh Allen and the Bills. That was a huge surprise. CJ Stroud continues to make decisions that are problematic.
11. New England Patriots
The Patriots had their chances to avenge the Super Bowl loss to the Seahawks. In the end, Drake Maye threw too many picks and Seattle was able to solve New England's defense.
10. Denver Broncos
The Broncos were no match for Patrick Mahomes and the emotion at Arrowhead on Monday night. This is a team that went 14-3 last year and if it wants to match that will have go to 14-2 for the rest of 2026. Daunting.
9. Los Angeles Rams
Seems like the Rams' travel plans to Australia backfired. And now no Myles Garrett until Week 6 at the earliest. A mighty fall for the team that came into the season as Super Bowl faves.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Professional and impressive destruction of the Cleveland Browns. That is what contenders do, put a beating on the weak and set themselves up for bigger and better days.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
They held on to beat the Commanders in a divisional game. A win is a win in one of those but the Eagles must be watched since they feel like they are always on a slippery slope.
6. San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Shanahan's game plan to leave SF early and acclimate to Australia provided a huge edge in the win over the Rams. The offense has plenty of firepower and the defense shut down a strong attack. Now, if the Niners can only stay healthy.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Forget about 6-11 in 2025. Patrick Mahomes is back and so are the Kansas City Chiefs in a big way.
4. Buffalo Bills
Everyone knew the Bills were going to be strong on offense with Joe Brady taking over as head coach. They were ultra-impressive in winning at Houston. The defense will have to tighten up but there is time for that to happen with the way Josh Allen & Co. can put points on the scoreboard.
3. Chicago Bears
That was a devastating performance, walloping Carolina while scoring 59 on the road. The Bears sent a message to everyone thinking last year was a fluke.
2. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks won the Super Bowl rematch by finishing strong. Don't knock down the champs until someone shows they can take them.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Great start for Jesse Minter. The Ravens ruled the Colts. Derrick Henry continues to run like he has young legs. The defense did its job as the team built a huge lead.
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: From worst to first, NFL Power Rankings entering Week 2
